Do Not Slander Anyone -Be It An Elder or Youth
Refrain from slander
Eedul Adhaa Khutbah at The Park 01/09/17-Masjid Al-Furqaan [Stoke On Trent] Based On ‘Some of The Means to Safety For The Ummah’- By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Some of The Means to Safety For The Ummah
Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said:
لنْ َيصْلُحَ آخِرُ هَذِهِ الْأمة الَّا مَا أَصْلَحَ أَوَّلَهَا
The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’
Therefore, there can be no return to safety, security and strength unless we return to that which rectified the early generations of Islaam. Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan said, ‘’And from those first and foremost means to safety and security in this life and the next is means to safety in this life and the next, is that the Ummah has to be upon a sound Aqeedah – singling out Allaah in worship and abandoning everything that is worshipped besides Allaah – not invoking tombs, graves, shrines and other false objects of worship, rather worshipping Allaah alone without any partner is the greatest and first and foremost means to safety in this life and next. Allaah [The Most High] said:
[ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡنُ وَهُم مُّهۡتَدُونَ – It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. [‘6:82]
The meaning of [ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ -Those who believe]: Belief is Tawheed [pure Islamic Monotheism] – to worship Allaah [Alone] and keep away from worshipping others besides Him.
And regarding the statement of Allaah [ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ- And confuse not their belief with zulm]- Meaning: They do not mix their belief in Tawheed with Zulm [i.e. Shirk], because Tawheed is corrupted when mixed with shirk. Hence, Tawheed can never be actualised with the presence of shirk, because two opposites cannot come together. [Ref 1]
Therefore, Zulm is Shirk, just as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] explained when this ayah caused some unease for the sahaabah. They [i.e. the sahaabah] said: ”O Messenger of Allaah! Which of us has not committed Zulm [i.e. wrong] against himself?” He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: It is not as you think, for indeed Zulm means shirk. Haven’t you heard the saying of the righteous slave [i.e. Luqmaan]?
[ يَـٰبُنَىَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ – O my son! Join not in worship others with Allaah. Verily! Joining others in worship with Allaah is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed. [31:13]
Therefore, the intent behind Zulm in this ayah is Shirk. The one safe from shirk will have safety in this life and the next. He will receive guidance for being upon the truth.
And Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:
وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ڪَمَا ٱسۡتَخۡلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ دِينَہُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱرۡتَضَىٰ لَهُمۡ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّہُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِهِمۡ أَمۡنً۬اۚ يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬اۚ
Allaah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) that they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. [24:55]
These great promises [mentioned in the above ayah] cannot be accomplished except by way of this condition that is [يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬ا (provided) they (i.e. the believers) worship Me (Allaah) and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.
If this condition is fulfilled, then these noble promises of Allaah will be attained. Certainly, the believers will be granted succession to [the present rulers] in the land. Allaah will grant them authority to practice their religion, which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam) and will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear. These great aims [or goals] cannot be achieved except by way of Tawheed, and that is to worship Allaah (alone), and abandon worship of other than Him.
[Ref 1] Major Shirk and Minor Shirk: The Shaikh, Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated in his book titled ‘Duroos Minal Qur’aan’ that minor shirk does not expel a person from the Milla (i.e. the religion). Minor shirk is related words uttered by a person, such as one who says, ‘‘Had it not been for Allaah and you’’ or ‘’what Allaah and you will’’. This is minor shirk on condition that the person does not hold it as belief in his heart. The Shaikh also spoke of other types of apparent minor Shirk, such as swearing by other than Allaah, and Hidden Minor Shirk such as Riyaa [showing off in worship]. [See Duroos Minal Qur’aan for further details. Page: 172]. The reader must read the article in this link [http://www.abukhadeejah.com/ahmad-an-najmees-kitaab-at-tawheed-chapter-3-fear-of-falling-into-shirk/] because the subject matter is discussed in more detail, and by the permission of Allaah the reader will be facilitated with a precise understanding.
Adhering to Taqwaa
Towards the end of his life, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] admonished the people, as occurs in the hadeeth of Irbaad Ibn Saariyah [radiyallaahu anhu], who said:
The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam] led us in prayer one day, then turned his face towards us, and delivered a powerful admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So, a man said: ”O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if it were a farewell admonition, so what do you enjoin upon us”? He said: ”I advise you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey even if a slave is a leader over you. Verily, the one who lives among you after me will see a lot of differences. So, stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa. Bite onto that with your molar teeth. And avoid the newly invented matters. Verily, every newly invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance.”
In this command, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] advised us –[by way of command]- to have Taqwah. It [Taqwah] is a comprehensive word that gathers all good qualities [or characteristics] in it. And the meaning of Taqwah is: a shield placed as a means of protection between yourself and what you fear will harm you. It is what shields you from danger, such as a shield placed as a means of protection between your foot and the excessive heat on the ground, or a shield placed as a means of protection between you and an injurious thing, or a shield placed as means of protection between you and a weapon, or a placed as a means of protection between you and the cold or the heat. This is related to physical [or tangible] things.
On the hand, [Taqwah in the Sharee’ah means] to protect yourself from the Anger of Allaah, His punishment and the fire of hell- by carrying out what He has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden. You cannot be protected from the punishment of Allaah, His Anger, and the Fire of Hell by fortresses, armies and garments; rather you can only be protected through Fear of Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] by carrying out what He has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden.
Obedience to the Rulers
Irbaad Ibn Saariyah [radiyallaahu anhu] said: The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam] led us in prayer one day, then turned his face towards us, and delivered a powerful admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So, a man said: ”O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if it were a farewell admonition, so what do you enjoin upon us”? He said: ”I advise you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey even if a slave is a leader over you. Verily, the one who lives among you after me will see a lot of differences. So, stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa. Bite onto that with your molar teeth. And avoid the newly invented matters. Verily, every newly invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance.”
This [i.e. obedience to the rulers] is a means to safety. Indeed, the Ummah listens to its leaders and obeys him, so that they can be a united body, a powerful force and a shield of protection against its enemies. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْۚ – ‘And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (i.e. the Qur’aan), and be not divided among yourselves]. [3:103]
This united body cannot be accomplished except by way of Leadership and an Imaam [i.e. a Ruler]. Leadership cannot be accomplished except by way of Sam’i Wat Taa’ah [i.e. to listen to the Ruler and being obedient to him] even if he is an Abyssinian slave and if he does not command a person to disobey Allaah. Therefore, the Leader of the Muslims is to be obeyed because there is an overriding benefit for the Muslims in doing so – in order bring about unity. However, the exception in this [affair] is what the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] stated that ‘There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator [Allaah]. Therefore, the is not obeyed in disobedience to Allaah, but he is obeyed in that which is in opposition to sin. However, this does not mean that we come out and rebel if he commands disobedience; rather we do not obey him in sin, but we obey him in those affairs that do not involve sin. [See link: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/].
Holding Onto The Authentic Sunnah of The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the Sunnah of the Khulafaa Ar-Raashideen When Differing Occurs
The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Verily, the one who live among you after me will see a lot of differing, so stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa.’’
This is another means to safety – adherence to the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Khulafah: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali [radiyallaahu anhum]. They are the successors of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] whose path is to be followed together with the Sunnah of Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam.
And he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ”Ikhtilaafan Kathiirah” [i.e. a lot of differing will occur] and not ”Ikhtilaafan Yaseerah [little or minor differing]; rather it is a lot. The Ummah cannot find safety from this [blameworthy] differing, except by holding fast to the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi- wasallam] and to that which his Rightly Guided Khulafaah, the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar were upon. Allaah [The Most High] said: [ٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى تَحۡتَهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ -And the foremost to embrace Islaam of the Muhaajiroon (those who migrated from Makkah to Al Madeena) and the Ansaar (the citizens of Al Madeenah who helped and gave aid to the Muhaajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in faith). Allaah is well pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) [9:100]
When the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] informed of us of the differing and splitting that will occur, he said: ”The Jews split into 71 sects, and the Christians split into 72 sects. And my Ummah will split into 73 sects, all of them in the fire except one. We said: ”Which one is it O Messenger of Allaah”? He said: Those who are upon that which I and my companions are upon”
So, there is no safeguard against the Fitnah of [blameworthy] differing in every era, especially during the end of time, except by way of holding fast to the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and path of his companions. This is what will protect us from the fire and this why Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah are called ‘The Saved Sect”– the sect that is safeguarded against the fire on the Day of Judgment. And those in opposition will not be saved, due their opposition and splitting away from the saved sect, except those who are firm upon [the Sunnah of the Messenger and the path of the Sahaabah]. And firmness upon the truth, the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the way of the companions cannot be accomplished except by way of beneficial knowledge. How can one be firm upon something, yet he [or she] is ignorant of it? We must learn the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and path his companions were upon, until we become firm upon it and hold fast to it.
The Severe Consequences of Opposing The Messenger’s Commands
Narrated Abu Musa (radiyallaahu-anhu): The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’My example, and the example of what I have been sent with is that of a man who came to some people and said, O people! I have seen the enemy’s army with my own eyes and I am a plain warner; so protect yourselves!’ Then a group of his people obeyed him and fled at night proceeding stealthily till they were safe, while another group of them disbelieved him and stayed at their places till morning when the army came upon them and killed and ruined them completely. So this is the example of that person who obeys me and follows that truth which I have brought (the Qur’aan and the Sunnah), and the example of the one who disobeys me and disbelieves the Truth I have brought.
[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 9. Number: 7283]
Also, others issues were mentioned such as:
Fulfilling our covenants whilst living in the West see link:
[1]Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] stated during a tele-link, on the 28th July 2000:
Likewise I invite you to have respect for those people who have the right that they should be respected, from those between you and whom there is an agreement (of protection) [i.e. Non-Muslims]. For the land which you are living is such that there is an agreement between you and them. If this were not the case they would have killed you or expelled you. So preserve this agreement, and do not prove treacherous to it, since treachery is a sign of the hypocrites, and it is not from the way of the Believers.
And know that it is authentically reported from the Prophet that he said : “Whoever kills one who is under an agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
Do not be fooled by those sayings of the foolish people: those who say: ‘Those people are Non-Muslims, so their wealth is lawful for us [i.e. to misappropriate or take by way of murder and killing].’ For by Allaah – this is a lie. A lie about Allaah’s Religion, and a lie in Islamic societies.
O my brothers. O youth. O Muslims. Be truthful in your buying and selling, and renting, and leasing, and in all mutual transactions. Because truthfulness is from the characteristics of the Believers, and Allaah – the Most High – has commanded truthfulness – in the saying of Allaah – the Most High – “O you who believe – fear and keep you duty to Allaah and be with the truthful.”
And the Prophet encouraged truthfulness and said : “Adhere to truthfulness, because truthfulness leads to goodness, and goodness leads to Paradise; and a person will continue to be truthful, and strive to be truthful until he will be written down with Allaah as a truthful person“.
And he warned against falsehood, and said : “Beware of falsehood, because falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire. And a person will continue lying, and striving to lie until he is written down with Allaah as a great liar.”
O my brother Muslims. O youth. Be true in your sayings with your brothers, and with those Non-Muslims whom you live along with – so that you will be inviters to the Religion of Islaam, by your actions and in reality. So how many people there are who first entered into Islaam because of the behaviour and manners of the Muslims, and their truthfulness, and their being true in their dealings. [end of quote][Telelink 28th July 2000]
[2] The Perils of Rebellion
This topic was also discussed in brief during the khutbah, listen to Shaikh Fawzaan here:
http://www.salaficentre.com/2012/11/security-or-sustenance-which-of-the-two-was-asked-for-first-shaikh-salih-al-fawzaan/
[3] Brothers and sisters were reminded about being dutiful to parents; brothers were reminded about kind treatment towards wives and sisters were reminded about obedience to husbands in what is good.
Arabic Booklet here:
http://www.albaidha.net/vb/showthread.php?t=58811
The Means to Safety for The Ummah
Our Salaf- Shubah’s [rahimahullaah] Mercy Towards The Poor, Needy and Destitute
Abu Daawood At-Tayaalisee [rahimahullaah] said, ”Once we were with Shu’bah, so Sulaymaan Ibnul Mugheerah [rahimahullaah] came along whilst weeping. Shu’bah [rahimahullaah] said to him, ‘What makes you weep O father of Sa’eed?!’ He said, ‘My donkey died; I missed the Jumu’ah prayer and my needs.’ He (Shu’bah) said, ‘How much did you buy it for?’ He said, ‘Three Dinaars.’ He (Shu’bah) said, ‘I have three Deenaars; by Allaah I do not have other than it. O boy! Bring that scrap of cloth” and in it was three deenaars, so he gave it to him (i.e. Sulaymaan) and said, ‘Buy a donkey and do not weep.’ ”
Eid Preparation – [Special Thanks to all Brothers and Sisters at Masjid Al-Furqaan]
السلام عليكم
Brothers and Sisters, I just want to personally thank everyone for attending today’s Eid prayer within the park – and by way of that reviving the Sunnah of our Messenger Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].
May Allaah reward you all with His blessings for having patience with us and actually staying to participate and enjoy the food prepared by our brothers and sisters. (Even though it was lightly drizzling at times)
I would also like to thank all my Brothers and sisters for taking part in helping out and making today a success by the will of Allaah.
Everyone I have spoken to today – During the event and after the event – have praised the whole setup and thorougly enjoyed prayer at the park.
And this is credit to all of our brothers and sisters and the roles they played, prior, during and after the event.
From the brothers and sisters who made the goody bags, sandwiches, teas and other food items – all the way to the ones who cleaned up, wiped things down and returned all furniture back to its place within the school.
Well done – execllant team and community effort and we ask that you set these good actions in your scroll of good deeds.
The light drizzle of rain became an insignificant matter as i saw our brothers, sisters and children enjoying themselves.
We have already started to consider, discuss and plan how we as a Masjid can improve on todays event for ‘eid al Adha.
Please feel free to text me if you have any ideas that are practical and can be enjoyed by our community.
BarakAllaahufeekum
Further to this – Masha’Allaah -Salafi Communites up and down the country, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, Loughborough, Slough, Cricklewood, Reading, Cranford and Tooting – have all been doing some amazing work today in making this Sunnah a reality on the day of ‘eid. In some places 1000s of people have gathered – Alhamdulilaah.
May Allaah make the Salafis Blessed in every time and place – and May He Allow them to bring benefit to themselves and their communities wherever in the world they maybe.
Ameen
It Is Better To Pray In The Salafi Masjid- By Shaykh Muqbil bin Haadee al-Waadi’ee
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Question:
There is a Masjid near us whose Imaam is an Ikhwaanee who has with him oppositions to the Sharee’ah and when we pray in this Masjid they ridicule us and flee from us, so should we remain calling in this Masjid whilst in the presence of this harm, considering that the Salafi Masjid is far away?
Answer:
If you are able to go to the Salafi Masjid then I advise you with that and you will gain benefit in performing your prayer in accordance to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah and also that you will benefit from tranquil affability with your brothers and much virtue and moral excellence. For indeed there is a Hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Jaabir Bin ?Abdullaah, who said:
Some plots of land became vacant around the Masjid therefore Banu Salimah decided to relocate near the Masjid. When the news of that reached the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) he said to them:
Indeed it has reached me that you intend to relocate near the Masjid.
They said: Yes, O Messenger of Allaah that is what we have decided. Thereupon he (the Prophet) said:
‘’O Banu Salimah, live in your houses, for your steps are recorded; live in your houses, for your steps are recorded.’’
Meaning: Stay in your houses which are far away from the Masjid so that your steps are recorded for you.
And in the Saheehayn (Sahih al-Bukharee and Saheeh al-Muslim) on the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiAllaahu -anhu) that verily the Prophet of Allaah(sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
He who performs ablution and purifies himself well, then leaves to go the Masjid and nothing causes him to go out except for the Prayer, he does not take a step except that it raises him in rank and a sin is removed from him. And if he prays the angels do not cease to pray for him, as long as he is at his Musalla (praying place): O Allaah, send prayers upon him, O Allaah, have mercy upon him?. And each one of you is regarded in prayer so long as he is waiting for the Prayer.
Hence, if they are able to attend the Salafi Masjid this is a pleasant affair if not then I advise them to acquire/obtain a Masjid for themselves which is not over burdensome in expenditure for truly the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) says: ‘’I was not ordered with building lofty extravagant Masjids.’’
And he also said: The Hour will not be established until the people vie with one another in boastfulness with regards to the Masjids.
So the Sunnah is that the Masjid should be modest and simple. And if you are able to [construct] the Masjid, that it is like the Masjid of the Messenger of Allaah(sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) then do so, if you are not able to then do not overburden yourself and do not be lavish in building the Masjids for indeed it is opposes the Sunnah, likewise the adornments and the minarets. Also the likes of what they call al-Mihraab and that which they put up on the four corners of the Masjids and what they call ash-Shurufaat (balconies and terraces), this was not found in the Masjid of the Messenger of Allaah when he built it at that time and likewise the Mimbar which is elevated in excess of three steps.
Wa Laa Illaaha IllAllaah, for indeed there has not come to me a person regardless of whether he is from Eritrea or from Indonesia or from the Sudan and other than them from the Islamic countries except that he complains from the harms of Ikhwaan al-Mufliseen* (Brotherhood of the Bankrupt Ones) to the Ahlus-Sunnah. Then I say, to Allaah is the complaint, so they are ready to reconcile with the communist and with the Mulhid (atheist) and with the Secularist and with the Bathists, and with the Naasirites and with the Sufis and with the Shiites whilst they are not prepared to reconcile with the Sunni except when the time for elections draws near, indeed then they say: Be silent concerning us and we will remain silent concerning you.
[Source: Tuhfatul-Mujeeb ‘Alaa Asilatil-Haadhir wal-Ghareeb, page 129-131]
Translated by Abu ‘Abdillaah Bilaal al-Kashmiri
http://www.salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=5007
The Importance of Having A Good Companion – Al-‘Allamah Rabee’ Ibn Haadee al-Madkhali (Hafithahullah)
Al-‘Allamah Rabee’ Ibn Haadee al-Madkhali (Hafithahullah) said:
“Search for a believing friend, For indeed he will assist you upon Allah’s obedience and he will motivate you towards goodness and he will warn you against evil and you will not acquire anything from him except goodness”
Al-Majmoo Al-Raaiq Page 28
AbuBakr and Umar [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] Used to Compete Each Other In Good Deeds
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:
Every competitor compete the other and is happy when joined in it, just as the companions of the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahua-alayhi-wasallam] used to compete in good and they were pleased when others joined them; rather they used to encourage one another whilst competing. This is part of seeking to be foremost in [good deeds]. Allaah [The Most High] said: [ ۖ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ-So hasten towards all that is good]. Allaah [The Most High] said:
[سَابِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ – Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allah), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth]. [57:21]
Umar Ibnul Khattaab [radiyallaahu-anhu] used to hasten towards [good deeds to compete] Abu-Bakr [radiyallaahu-anhu], but he never won. [Ref 1]
Umar [radiyallaahu-anahu] said: One day the Messenger of Allah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] commanded us to give sadaqah. At that time I had some property, so I said: Today I shall surpass Abu-Bakr if I am to surpass him any day. So I brought half of my property. The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: What did you leave for your family? I replied: The same amount. Then Abu-Bakr brought all that he had with him. So the Messenger of Allah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said to him: What did you leave for your family? He replied: I left Allah and His Messenger for them. I [Umar] said: I shall never [excel you] in competing you in anything. [Ref 2]
[Ref 1: Source: Ar-Rooh of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim 431-432) abridged]
[Ref 2: Abu Dawood and graded Hasan by Sh Albaani’ Hadeeth Number: 1678’ kitaab Az-Zakaah (page: 259)]
Murder, Suicide, Dodgy Contracts, Theft etc – all Impermissible
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِنْكُمْ ۚ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا
O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you. [4:29]
Few Reminders from the above Aayah
Allaah forbade His believing slaves [from] eating one another’s property in falsehood- through force, theft, gambling and [other] evil earnings; rather consuming your own wealth out of vanity and extravagance is included in this because it is considered a path of falsehood.
After forbidding [the servants] from consuming property through falsehood, Allaah made trade permissible for them and earnings that are free from what is unlawful- including contracts established through mutual consent and other than that.
[وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ – And do not kill yourselves]- Meaning: Neither kill one another [i.e. except what is legislated by Islamic law and executed by the authorities (Ref 1)], nor should a person kill himself [or herself] by bringing about destruction to oneself and engaging in dangerous activities that will lead to ruin and destruction.
[إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا – Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you]- Meaning: And from Allaah’s Mercy is that He safeguards your lives and properties. He forbids you from wasting and ruining your lives and properties and legislated prescribed rulings in relation to that.
[Source: (Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan). Abridged and paraphrased]
Ref 1: Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] stated about the statement of Allaah:
وَإِذَا بَطَشْتُمْ بَطَشْتُمْ جَبَّارِينَ
And when you seize, you seize as tyrants. [26:130]
This is a rebuke from Allaah against Aad-the people of Hud (alayhis-salaam). Allaah rebuked them with this and that they are oppressors who strike people without right. They oppress people by way of striking, killing and seizing wealth by force. This is a rebuke against them and a blameworthy trait of theirs. Therefore, this is not permissible; rather it is obligated on a Muslim that he does not take wealth except based on what is right and he does not strike anyone except based on what is right. He neither has a right to transgress against the people nor to strike them; rather he seeks what is right through the path of the Islamic Law. If he has a right to seek after, he should seek it through the courts; through an upright path and through the authorities. He does not strike the people by way of oppression, transgression and injury. He should not oppress them by confiscating their wealth and striking; rather it is obligated on him to take his rights through the path of the Islamic Law and from an Islamic perspective. This (i.e. this statement of Allaah) is a rebuke against Aad and a blameworthy affair for which Allaah sent a devastating barren wind against them. They used to oppress the people and transgressed against them.
[Source: Slightly Paraphrased. see link: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/mat/9111 ]
Make Room For Your Brothers In The Gatherings And Allaah Will Give You Ample Room From His Mercy
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا فِي الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُوا يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا فَانْشُزُوا يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up, rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [58:11]
This is a practical code of behaviour commanded by Allaah to His believing slaves- that when they come together in one of their gatherings, some of them or some of those who have already arrived should make room (for others); for indeed it is from (good) etiquettes to make room for him (i.e. the other person) to reach his goal. And this is not to harm the one who is (already) in the gathering in anyway, rather he enables his (Muslim) brother to reach his goal without him being harmed, and reward is given in accordance with a deed; for indeed whoever makes room, Allaah makes room for him, and whoever shows generosity to his brother, Allaah will show him generosity.
[وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا – And when you are told to rise up]- Meaning: To rise up and retire from your gathering for an (obligatory or important) need (i.e. prayer etc), then [فَانْشُزُوا – rise up] – Meaning: proceed towards the fulfilment of that beneficial affair, for indeed the fulfilment of the likes of these affairs is connected to knowledge and Eemaan. And Allaah [The Most High] will exalt in degree the people of knowledge and Eemaan in accordance with what He has portioned out for them from knowledge and Eemaan.
[وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِير -And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do]- Meaning: Allaah [The Most High] rewards every performer of deeds in accordance with his [or her] deeds-if they are good, there will be good recompense, and if evil deeds, there will be an evil recompense. And in this Ayah [i.e. 58:11] is [a mention] of the virtue of knowledge, whose beautification and benefit is that one disciplines [himself or herself] with its etiquettes and act in accordance with what it necessitates.
[Source 🙁 Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]
Remember Allah at All Times
The Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said to his cousin, Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas) whilst he was still a youth, “O young boy, surely I will teach you some words” and then he began to teach Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas. He said to him:
“Be mindful of Allāh and he will protect you, be mindful of Allāh and you will find him in-front of you. If you ask than ask of Allāh, and know that if all the people were to gather together to benefit you with something, they could not benefit you except with that which Allāh has already written for you – and if they were to gather together to harm you with anything they would not be able to harm you except with that which Allāh has already written and decreed for you. Indeed the pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”
(At-Tirmidhee)